Altering a Super Black Hawk

[bayrunner]

Hey Guys ____ I just purchased a 7 ½ in. Ruger SBH(44 mag) at a gun show at a good price, and I’m thinking of altering it . I always wanted a compact packing gun when I’m in the woods (here in the Pacific Northwest) we do have blk bears ,and I don’t treat them lightly .So, my thoughts are to cut the barrel down to 4 in. put a Bird head grip (steel) and a steel ejector rod. It would be approximately the same size as a factory Ruger 45 Bird Head(size wise).I picked the 44 due to availability of components(don’t hand load as of yet). When I start to hand load I plan on using a load approximately, say 250-300 grain of hard cast at apx.950-1100 fps.___So what do you guys think, anybody have any experience shooting such a load out of this kind of setup (barrel wise etc.or close to it).What do you think of the recoil compared to the 4 5/8th in. barrel, in the SBH Ruger . Anyway your responses are greatly appreciated._____ THANKS BAYRUNNER

["DoubleAction"]

bayrunner; I shoot mostly double action S&W 44 magnum but I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk that I too bought for a project gun. The Birdheads grip frame will help the gun alot, especially around the trigger guard.
The SS New Model Super Blackhawk will handle the 300 gr. hard cast bullets with over 1100 fps. MV , from the 4 5/8 barrel, with groups averaging just over 2 " , using Federal's cartridges. For handloads, and others, the list is very long for this gun.
As far as recoil; I expect it would take getting used to, if being away from the large bore magnum for awhile, but I would not expect it to be much of an issue with the 4 5/8". Shooting the 4 and 5 inch 44 magnum in the S&W, double action, using the 240 gr. GDHP, gives me more muzzle rise than the heavier 6 1/2" full lug barrel of the DX classic. The 4 5/8 " barrel length is a good choice for the Ruger, I have two Vaqueros in the same barrel length, I've also had the same thoughts for my own. Accuracy is better than what you'll need, and recoil really depends on the person shooting but I think you will like it in the end and it will carry well too.

["DoubleAction"]

One other thing about the Grip; Have you given any thought to a Bisley grip frame ?

[kynardsj]

Try 10 gr of Unique behind that 250 gr hardcast. I've been shooting that load for years and it's a good one and as you've probably found out by now 4 5/8 is as short as you'll get that barrell without modifying your ejector shroud and rod. Good Luck.